Vehicle

2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

Review

My Legacy's about to go off-lease after 3 years and I still don't see many of this new design on the road.Last week I had to use my father's 2001 Outback and I'm astounded at how well they've redone it.

These cars have a long history of reliability.They are practically maintenance-free.Now that they're full-size, I finally found myself in one and I'm glad I did.I traded in my '97 BMW 528i after too many winters spent without traction control (in the Northeast).When I moved to the top of a hill, I knew I needed AWD.I researched Subaru and found they are the only car manufactured by Fuji Industries in Japan.It is a dream to drive and I never feel unsafe anymore.

Best Features

The quality of the ride is cushy and the seats are very comfortable.
There is more leg and headroom than I had in the BMW.
It's quite surprising how roomy the car is.
The gas mileage for such a large car is admirable.
It's still an rarity on the road.
You just don't see that many of them.
People are surprised it's a Subaru because it's now the size of a Camry or Accord and has a racier look to it.
The car just feels like it's well-made.
It rides like it's on rails in snow, rain or sunny weather.
It transmits a steady feel of the road under all conditions, absorbing bumps and potholes like a champ.

Worst Features

The CVT took some getting used to.
I've learned to "shift" it with the accelerator.
CVT is the norm now among many newer cars.
It is like a marine transmission.
The low front end air dam hits the curb too easily.
Why do they make bumpers that chip and scrape so easily now?